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Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series (LATIS)

LATIS papers provide practicing landscape architects with technical information about new and evolving practices and products. These peer-reviewed papers are a key vehicle for members to share their expertise. LATIS is a product of the ASLA Fund, and all LATIS papers are available for free to ASLA members.

LATIS is also a convenient and affordable way to earn the professional development hours (PDH) needed to meet state licensure requirements. Each LATIS paper enables you to earn PDH by completing and passing a self-study exam. LATIS reports follow the guidelines of
the LA CES program (Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System).

ASLA members may read the report for free and pre-pay a $40 processing fee for scoring the exam.Non-members may purchase a LATIS report for $50 and pre-pay a $60 processing fee for scoring the exam.

LATIS ReportsM - Free or discounted for Members$ - Available to Non-Members for a fee

James L. Sipes, ASLA, provides a detailed
discussion about Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, various tools that allow for the creation of detailed 3D models, and how these tools can be applied to landscape architecture. These
tools can simplify the process of designing complex spaces and allow
design, planning, and construction disciplines to work seamlessly
throughout a project. The publication also includes a comprehensive
discussion of BIM standards, applications, and current available
programs. Highlighted are several projects to which BIM has been
applied, along with numerous illustrations of its use.

This technical manual, written by Barrett L. Kays, FASLA, provides instructional content and practical examples of how to apply modern soil science techniques to improve soils for landscape plants and the environment. The manual presents important soil concepts and how to apply them to the design of soils for both small and large landscape architectural projects. The publication is intended as a resource for independent study and to improve landscape architects’ understanding of soils and how to effectively manage soils on their projects.

David Raphael, ASLA, provides landscape
architects with concepts and tools for planning, designing, and
implementing wayfinding and public information systems. Topics include
the origins of wayfinding, its components, human factors, the design
process, recent innovations, and a sampling of wayfinding systems.
Attention is given to the skills that landscape architects bring to the
process of designing these systems. Throughout the publication, numerous
photographs and other images illustrate and reinforce the concepts
presented.

The LATIS Forum on Therapeutic Landscapes
discusses the practice of creating landscapes to support human health
and well-being. Authors explore how this practice area, rooted deeply in
tradition, is evolving to meet modern needs arising from various life
circumstances. Successful designs and the process to create them vary
according to the special needs of user groups. Readers will learn how
therapeutic landscapes provide benefits to all humans, both in clinical
and institutional settings and in the matrix of everyday life.

Karen Hanna, FASLA, reveals ways to
identify appropriate existing datasets and use them as a baseline for
recording current and prospective site conditions and uses. GIS
techniques promote application of sophisticated scientific models to the
landscape, and combine effectively with other digital technologies such
as graphs and photo simulations. The results of GIS models are
eminently useful for site planning, growth planning, and implementation
phasing.

Anthony Bauer, FASLA, and Robert E. Ford,
ASLA, discuss the mining and reclamation practices of the construction
aggregate industry. As urban land users, mining companies face
challenging issues in land use, environmental concerns, regulation, and
community relations. These issues represent opportunities for the
responsible involvement of landscape architects in reclamation planning
processes and end use development. Reclamation planning elements and
procedures are illustrated.

Authors Lee R. Skabelund, ASLA; G.M.
Kondolf; Craig W. Johnson; and Allegra Bukojemsky, ASLA,
present principles of ecological restoration with a focus on how
landscape architects can incorporate these principles into their
projects, and how they can work with scientists to meet ecological
restoration project goals. The importance of collaboration between
designers, planners, scientists, and stakeholders in such projects is
emphasized. An extensive resource list provides project examples from
different ecosystems and regions of the U.S.

Steven Peck, Honorary
ASLA, of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, discusses the
history, benefits, design, construction, and maintenance of green roofs.
The publication also provides a series of project profiles, illustrating
award-winning green roofs across North America. An expanded project
profile also gives insight to the development of ASLA’s green roof.